Healthy Schools programme to address more issues
Neil Puffett
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The government's Healthy Schools initiative is to be expanded to increase focus on bullying, teenage pregnancy and drugs, it was announced today.
Speaking at the annual Healthy Schools conference, public health minister Gillian Merron said the programme would be widened to include closer working with local authorities, health services and the wider community.
This will enable schools to identify and help those children who need it most in the community, addressing specific local issues such as bullying, teenage pregnancy or drugs.
The move comes as the Healthy Schools programme, which teaches children about aspects of being healthy including issues around exercise, school meals and obesity, celebrates its 10th anniversary.
To date, 80 per cent of all English schools have achieved national healthy school status.
Merron said: "Extending the programme means that schools will work more closely with local councils and the wider community, so that even more support is available.
"It will help schools spot those children who need more help - young carers, those with mental health needs, or simply giving children the information and resources they need to tackle issues such as bullying, obesity and drugs."
